The dominant gene of the white spotting factor (S/S) produces more white than is
desirable (more than two thirds white). This much white would affect the appearance
of the Snowshoe which is a result of the contrast between the dark points and the white
spotting pattern.
The mitted pattern is generally limited to paws, belly, chin, and chest with no white facial
pattern, however, small mustache(s)' may be within the mitted limits . The white pattern
areas are limited to one third of the cats coloring.
The bicolour pattern includes the same pattern areas as the mitted and generally features a
facial pattern which may be in the shape of an inverted 'V', blaze, partial 'V' or large
'mustache(s)'. The white pattern areas generally exceed one third of the cats coloring and
is generally limited to two thirds of the cats coloring.
The heterozygous form (S/s) of the white spotting factor produces both mitted and bicolour
patterns. What divides the two patterns, is the propensity of the white spotting factor for
producing either mitted or bicolour patterns. In attempting to produce the perfect' pattern
which results in the perfect' inverted V' face, the spotting factor must have the basic
bicolour propensity. This propensity is what makes it so difficult to produce the perfect'
pattern desired by many Snowshoe lovers. The bicolour pattern covers from one third (1/3)
to two thirds (2/3) of the cats body. This means that in order to get the perfect V' facial
pattern, it is necessary to introduce the propensity for a bicolour pattern, and in doing so,
the propensity for increased white on the legs and body increases as well.
The majority of the breeders in The International Cat Association (TICA) voted to accept
standards which favor Type' over pattern and permits TICA breeders to show all Snowshoe
cats with patterns within the TICA mitted and bicolour definitions. Pattern
descriptions within the standards should be used ONLY
to break a tie between two cats who are equal in all other factors, but are
as the major determining
factors in judging the cat's color and pattern.
The white spotting factor is sometimes masked entirely producing a cat with no white.
Although masked, generally the white spotting factor is still present. Snowshoes with
no white may not be shown in any association, but may be registered as Snowshoes and
may be used in a breeding program. If used in a breeding program, they will probably
be bred to another Snowshoe with the bicolour propensity in order to produce mitted or
bicoloured cats.